Qué Tarde Gris appears a step ahead in a tough Clásico Carlos Gardel

The son of Il Campione looms as the leading contender Sunday at Palermo; the card will also feature the Handicap Miss Grillo

Qué Tarde Gris will look to assert his class once again, this time at Palermo / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

The rescheduled Clásico Carlos Gardel (L–1800m), for 4-year-olds and up, will headline Sunday’s card at the Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, which will also feature the Handicap Miss Grillo, a demanding 2200-meter test on dirt for fillies and mares aged four and older.

The tribute to the legendary singer, postponed from its original date due to a lack of entries, now looks far more attractive and survived the final cut. Heading the betting is Qué Tarde Gris (Il Campione), the runner from La Plata who shortens up in trip after disappointing when trailing the field in the 2000-meter Clásico Italia (G3).

A previous winner of the Clásico 9 de Julio (G2) over a mile on the turf at San Isidro, he has always been well regarded but had to overcome a lengthy layoff to recover from physical issues.

Among his main rivals is the improving Sabiyano (Easing Along), who has been in top form at La Plata, winning both the Clásico 9 de Julio–Día de la Independencia (G3) and the Clásico General José de San Martín (G3), before finishing second to Storm Sound (Hi Happy) in the local Clásico Hipódromo de La Plata (G3).

Now seven, Super Inter (Super Saver) continues to prove his durability and will seek an unprecedented third victory in the Carlos Gardel (L), having already captured the race in its 2022 and 2024 editions.

In the Handicap Miss Grillo, Risible (Orpen, 57 kg) deserves close attention. Well positioned at the weights, she comes off a fourth-place finish behind Martana (Fortify) in the Clásico Chile (G2). Though she was beaten by a wide margin that day, she now faces a more approachable group.

The in-form Albakiara (Hi Happy, 53½ kg) could be a strong contender under an ideal impost for the long distance, while the imported Scarletta (Gun Runner, 53½ kg) may take advantage of her European pedigree in this softer spot as she looks to enhance her broodmare credentials.